Donegal Wilson 8th MLA to Quit BC Conservative Party in Three Weeks

The legislature building in Victoria, B.C., on Sept. 25, 2023. The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal Wilson has announced her departure from the B.C. Conservative Party to sit as an Independent, making her the eighth MLA to leave the party in the past three weeks.

Wilson said in a statement shared on social media on Sept. 2 that while her conservative principles had not changed, she had lost confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.

The MLA said she had promised to keep an open mind when Findlay became party leader on May 30 and give her three months to demonstrate how she intended to lead, but said she now had concerns about Findlay’s judgment.

The B.C. Conservatives have faced internal turmoil over the past two years, leading to the resignation or expulsion of 13 MLAs—Wilson makes 14—and the resignation of previous leader John Rustad in December 2025 following a caucus revolt.

Wilson, who was elected in the November 2024 provincial election, cited what she described as a breakdown in communication with the caucus, the firing of experienced staff and senior appointments that she said raised “serious questions” about Findlay’s judgment.

Wilson also referred to allegations surrounding Findlay and her leadership team, including an alleged recording involving a former party operations director and questions about whether benefits were offered to MLAs in connection with resigning their seats.

The seven other MLAs who have quit in recent weeks include Á'a:líya Warbus, Bruce Banman, Teresa Wat, Brennan Day, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, and Peter Milobar. While Reann Gasper resigned as an MLA, she remains Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.

Neither Findlay nor the party had publicly commented on Wilson’s departure as of Sept. 2. Findlay said in an Aug. 25 statement that the party would begin accepting nominations to fill recent MLA vacancies and that it was “already attracting strong, capable nominees who share our commitment and love their communities.”

“Recent resignations from our caucus are a matter of public record. Our Party’s path is clear and unwavering: we will deliver hope, opportunity, and lasting prosperity to all British Columbians,” Findlay added.

Wilson’s departure comes as the party prepares for a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission on Sept. 26. The seat was held by Gasper, who resigned to become Findlay’s deputy chief of staff, allowing the party leader, who does not currently hold a seat in the legislature, to seek election.